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Top 6 Golf Courses in Branson, Missouri

Just as Branson offers a diverse selection of shows, entertainment, and attractions, this area of the Ozarks also makes way for some of the best golf courses in the country! Entry-level or professional, any golf lover planning to visit Branson should clear their vacation schedule and make their way over to ONE or ALL of the golf courses located in the Branson area!

Here are our top picks for the 6 Best Golf Courses in Branson, MO: 

1.Thousand Hills Resort & Golf Club

This 18-hole public golf course is ideal for many golf skill levels, with three separate sets of tees available. Guests may reserve a tee time, enjoy daily specials, and participate or plan Tournaments. Thousand Hills is known for accommodating many events and outings, such as Company Retreats and Charity Events.

Location and the outdoor experience is another enticing feature at this resort and golf course attraction. Only miles from the famous entertainment district, guests can enjoy the peace and beauty of the area away from the hustle and bustle of the 76 Strip as you will be surrounded by serene hardwood forests, signature rock formations, and a series of natural streams.

Additional Features/Facts to Know:

• Golf Digest Magazine gave Thousand Hills 4 Stars.
• Voted Best of the Ozarks for Branson Golf Courses by readers of the Springfield News-Leader.
• Located just minutes from Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo.
• 18 Hole Golf Course.
  Pro Shop on property that sells all the golf accessories you need.
• Mulligan’s Snack Bar & Grill is open April – November.
• Yamaha golf carts are available to navigate the course.

Location: 245 Wildwood Dr. S, Branson, MO 65616

2.Johnny Morris’ Top of the Rock

Top of the Rock incorporates the best of golf and nature in its par-3 golf course which took over 7 years to create. Johnny Morris, the founder of Bass Pro Shops, wanted to ensure the creation of a course that was worth housing national championships. After including a Jack Nicklaus Signature Course, Tom Watson’s acre putting complex( called the “Himalayas”), and the Arnold Palmer-designed Practice Facility, Top of the Rock quickly became known as the greatest golf destination in the United States. Now home to the annual PGA Tour, Big Cedar is truly making headway in the world of golf.

Additional Features/Facts to Know:

• Callaway Rental Clubs available.
• First-ever par-3 course to be included in a professional championship.
• Top of the Rock Pro Shop sells golf apparel and goods.
• Course has attracted the attention of several stars, including Justin Timberlake and Tiger Woods.
• Big Cedar is also home to Buffalo Ridge, Ozarks National, Payne’s Valley, and Mountain Top golf courses.
• Par-3 Course offers beautiful landscape features throughout, including waterfalls, stunning oak trees, and vibrant plants and flowers scattered about.

Location: 190 Top of the Rock Road Ridgedale, Missouri 65739

3.Payne’s Valley

Also located at Big Cedar in Ridgedale, Missouri, Payne’s Valley was designed by none other than the 82-time PGA TOUR winner, Tiger Woods. This 19-hole design course is the first public-access golf course designed by Woods – and his design firm TGR Design – and opened early last year.

Payne’s Valley is actually one of the most established courses at Big Cedar as it originally opened in 1947 and was planned by the illustrious designer Perry Maxwell. The course pays tribute to Bill Stewart( Missouri Amateur Winner) and his son Payne Stewart who went on tour 11 times, including 1 PGA Championship and 2 U.S. Opens. The design of Payne’s Valley requires accurate iron play( meaning the head of the club is iron and the head is larger, with an angled face and scored with grooves)- making the layout the perfect combination of fun and challenge.

Additional Features/Facts to Know:

• The course is a 6,162-yard par 70.
• Stocked Pro Shop.
• Snack Shop.
• PGA Professionals are available for private lessons.
• Course ends on the spectacular 19^th hole, which Johnny Morris designed.

Location: 1825 E Norton Rd, Springfield, MO 65803

4.Branson Hills Golf Club

Avid golfers will enjoy the stimulating yet enjoyable Public 18 Hole Course that is Branson Hills Golf Club. This tribute course honors Legendary Missouri Golfers and offers various enticing amenities, venue opportunities, and teeing areas for guests. Get your golf garb on and explore this truly lush and beautiful course that incorporates various challenging landscape features with creeks, waterfalls, wooded areas, and rock outcroppings.

Additional Features/Facts to Know:

• The course was designed by Chuck Smith with the help of Bobby Clampett, a pro golfer.
• Voted #1 Course in Missouri by Golfweek in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 & 2016.
• 5 Distinct Tee Areas
• Venue spaces for Weddings & other special events.
• Public Sports Bar

Location: 100 North Payne Stewart Dr, Branson, MO 65616

5.Ozark National

Specially designed by the architect duo Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore, this 18-hole layout embodies a unique atmosphere with gorgeous terrain and irreplaceable views. Ozarks National fits in perfectly with the many other amazing world-class golf courses available at Big Cedar Lodge.

The 18-hole layout features challenging carries and a variety of visually appealing approach shots highlighted by the native habitat. The course also includes out-of-the-box features, including a plank bridge, which connects the tee box and fairway of the 13th hole (which stands 60-feet above a flowing creek).

Additional Features/Facts to Know:

• Dining options available at Mountain Top Grill.
• Complimentary On-course Snacks.
• Named the ‘Best new public course in America’ by Golf Digest.
• Course measures 7,036 yards from the back tees.

Location: 1250 Golf Club Drive, Hollister, MO 65672

6.Ledgestone Country Club

Located in the StoneBridge development, this 18-hole, par 71 championship course presents a fun golf landscape with neat hole designs and a clear creek running through. The Ledgestone Country Club continually gains the praise of visitors and members alike and keeps many returning.

Additional Features/Facts to Know:

• Great Value.
• Tom Clark Layout.
• Distinct Elevation Changes.
• On Property Country Club.

Location: 1600 Ledgestone Way, Reeds Spring, MO 65737

For more information on local Shows, Attractions, and MORE, give our friends at Branson Travel Group a call at (866) 876-4339. Ask how to secure the best tickets at the lowest prices! Find out more about affordable Branson Travel Packages on their site here. 

7 of the Best NEW Restaurants & Cafes in Branson | Eateries to Visit in the Ozarks

Hungry? Good! Luckily for you – the traveler, the local, the one with the appetite – there are many options to choose from when it comes to satisfying your pallet needs, and they’re all right here in the heart of Branson, Missouri. There are no shortages of great chain and local restaurants in the area. However, if you’re searching for what is new, several places just opened their doors and are ready to accommodate all of your foodie needs.

So, whether you’re in the mood for savory paella and tapas or for homemade sandwiches made from the can’t be replaced Philadelphia bread, there’s something for all to enjoy for all occasions.

Here are the 7 Best New Restaurants and Cafes in the Branson area:

1. SS Dockside Café & Pub

This newly renovated restaurant recently opened to the public with an all-new name and an all-new tantalizing seafood menu. SS Dockside Café and Pub in Branson offers friendly and speedy service with platters so big it will feed the whole family! With a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere, every moment spent here will feel like a vacation. Besides serving delicious seafood dishes, SS Dockside Café and Pub offers a diverse selection of other items, including BBX, salads, steak, and burgers. Come try SS Dockside Café and Pub for lunch or dinner or stop by to try one of their many drinks available at the full bar. Guests may also order online to get some grub or order for take-out.

Some Menu Items:
BLT Nachos
Chicken Salad
Bacon Cheese Burger
Fried Catfish Strips
Coconut Shrimp
Chicken Bacon Avocado Club Sandwich
Buffalo Chicken Ranch Sandwich
Large Mouth Burrito
Fish Tacos
Blackened Salmon
Mango Pineapple Shrimp
Prime Rib
Ribeye

Address: 2600 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO 65616

2.Mad Hatterz Eatz & Treatz

Walk into the restaurant equivalent of the white rabbit’s hole from Alice in Wonderland at this whimsical, happy restaurant and cafe that is Mad Hatterz Eatz & Treatz. With a fun checkerboard floor and Alice in Wonderland memorabilia at every turn of the head, Mad Hatterz is the ideal place to enjoy great homemade food and events with friends and family. Catering is available, and the owner, Michelle Fares, is ready to accommodate private tea parties, Birthday parties, baby showers, and more with proper reservations. Even get your picture taken with some of the beloved characters from Alice in Wonderland, such as the Mad Hatter and Alice herself! Whether mad or not (or whether it’s your Unbirthday or actual Birthday) Mad Hatterz is the place to experience fun, color, and the best Philidalphea bread in creation!

Some Menu Items:
Twiddle Dee’s BLT
Alice’s Grilled Cheese
Rabbits Rueben
Whimsical Chicken Salad
Oriental Chicken Salad
Frito Pie
Funnel Cakes
Banana Boat Sundae
Bread Pudding

Address: Victorian Village, located at 3044 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway Suite 10

3. Heroes Tastes + Taps

Based on the theme and atmosphere of honoring and bringing attention to our many HEROES, Heroes Tastes + Taps offers the best of 5 Star service, mouth-watering New American Cuisine, and over 20 brews on tap to their guests in a timely and professional manner.

All heroes are honored at this newly opened restaurant, including first responders, school teachers, farmers, doctors, nurses, police officers, and firefighters. Overall a great place to honor and celebrate those who serve our community and our country with even some food names based on essential workers. Come see why Heroes Tastes + Taps has such good reviews and why guests keep coming back for more!

Some Menu Items:
Heroes’ Fried Green Tomatoes
Schoolteacher’s Strawberry Salad
Cowboy Campfire Shepherd’s Pie
Ranger’s Reuben
Anchors Aweigh Shrimp and Grits
Dynamic Duo Sirloins
Sailor’s Salmon
Farmhouse Roasted Chicken
‘Merica’s Meatloaf
Grandpa’s Fried Fish Plate
Pioneer Pork Chop
Cattleman’s Country Fried Ribeye Steak

Address: 3225 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO 65616

4.Flamin Margaritas

Inspired by the welcoming villages of central Mexico and built on traditions of rich culture, flavorful food, and the best of hospitality, Flamin Margaritas wants to be a place of celebration and a getaway for all who walk through their doors. Flaming Margaritas has a palpable love and passion for making delicious food made with the freshest of ingredients and with the most eye-catching presentation. From kitchen to plate to table, Flamin Margaritas works hard to ensure your time at this restaurant is a time well spent. Pair your meal with one of their amazing drinks, such as the Top Shelf Margarita, Monje Sour, Michelada, and Jalapeno Bees Knees.

Some Menu Items:
Mexican Trio Dip
Empanada
Ribeye
Carnitas Plate
Huevos Con Chorizo
Enchiladas Mexicano
Street Tacos

Address: 3015 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO 65616

5.The Rogue Chef Branson

Locally owned and operated, The Rogue Chef in Branson will exceed your expectations as practiced chefs make fresh food right in front of you and serve steaming hot plates guaranteed to knock your socks off with flavor. Though this new restaurant venue is small, The Rogue Chef is BIG on service with a smile. Go Rogue and stop by this unique foodie heaven restaurant for a casual lunch or dinner experience.

Some Menu Items:
Mango & Cranberry With Chicken Sala
Loaded Smoked Tots
Prime Rib Griller
Wild Mushroom & Cheese Griller
Rogue Ruben
Rogue French Dip
Tequila Lime Chicken Griller
Fried Pickles
Blue Cheese Wedge
Crag Rangoon Dip

Address: 2715 76 Country Blvd #104, Branson, MO 65616

6.Ole Eatery

Treat yourself to a lunch or dinner out at the Ole eatery, a quaint new restaurant that seeks to offer the highest level of quality and taste in Spanish food. At this specialty Tapas Bar & Restaurant, guests are served promptly while still upholding all levels of quality and service. Like Paella and Tapas. Ole Eatery has them. Like Wine. Dessert. Coffee, Espanola. Ole Eatery serves those too! Whether serving the finest Cuisine dishes of Spain or one of their specially prepared low carb or gluten-free dishes, Ole Eatery has it all prepared by the seasoned hands of a trained chef.

Some Menu Items:
Paella del Monte
Tortilla Espanola
Chicharron
Guava Empanada
Patatas Bravas
Montadito de Jamon Serrano
Vegan Arroz Rojo
Corquetas
Pincho
Olivas Marinadas
Esparragos y Jamon Serrano
Crema Catalana
Platano Frito
Guava Empanada
Churros

Address: 3705 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO 65616

7. El Poblano Mexican Restaurant and Bar

Serving the best Mexican cuisine in town with an equally great price, El Poblano Mexican Restaurant and Bar is the place to bring your thirst and your appetite! Everything hot will be served to your table, and just wait until you try their guacamole! If you can’t make it for the lunch or dinner hour, El Poblano is open for breakfast at 6 AM!

*Vegetarian items and beer and margaritas available.

Some Menu Items:
Enchiladas
Fajita Tacos
Stack Nachos
Chile Relleno
Veggie Chimichanga
Shrimp Al Mojo De Ajo
Caldo De Camaron
Mexican Churros
Flan
Mexican Apple Pie

Address: 215 Gage Dr suite A, Hollister, MO 65672

For more information on local Shows, Attractions, and MORE, give our friends at Branson Travel Group a call at (866) 876-4339. Ask how to secure the best tickets at the lowest prices! Find out more about affordable Branson Travel Packages on their site here. 

Top 5 Things to Do This 2021 Summer Season | Branson, Missouri

Summertime is hot dogs and hamburgers on a grill, pool days and sunscreen, and bright and colorful fireworks going off in the night sky with sparklers in hand. Year-round, Branson honors every element that comes with the passing seasons, and summer is no exception. The Ozarks area has no shortage of offering many local events and things to do throughout the summer months for visitors, locals, and anyone interested in a fun and memorable time.

So, buckle down for the ride of a lifetime on one of Silver Dollar City’s daring rides or mark your calendar for a night of fireworks and funnel cakes this 2021 Summer season. Here’s our list for the ‘Top 5 Things To Do This Summer in Branson’:

1.Local Events

Whether you’re planning to visit Branson, MO, early summer, late summer, or some time in-between, events and festivals are going down in and around the Branson area, typically May through August. Some are the local favorite festivals/events, such as the Fireworks at the Branson Landing and the Annual Marble &  Glass Festival in Downtown Branson. Many others are new to the calendar, such as the Ladies of Country performance starring Leona Williams, Mary Lou Turner, and Barbara Fairchild, which will show at the Branson Star Theater this Friday and Saturday (5/21-5/22).

See the full list of local events May-August 2021 below!

May 2021
21^st & 22^nd: Grand Ladies Nashville Roadhouse Live Concert Series starring Leona Williams, Mary Lou Turner, and Barbara Fairchild – Branson Star Theater
21^st & 22^nd: 2nd Annual Marble & Glass Festival – Branson Historic Downtown
28^th-31^st: Memorial Day Classic – Ballparks of America
30^th: Fireworks at Big Cedar and Chateau on the Lake
31^st: Wings over Ozarks Air Show (Airport)

June 2021
14^th-19^th: Talent on Parade: Mansion Theater
18^th & 19^th: Aaron Tippin – Branson Star Theater
19^th & 20^th: Powerboat Nationals – Branson Landing

July 2021
2^nd: Fireburst Fireworks in Kimberling City
2^nd-5^th: Tanger Outlets Summer Sale
2^nd-8^th: Stars & Stripes Showdown – Ballparks of America
3^rd: Fireworks at the Branson Landing
6^th-9^th: Texas Tenors – Shanghai Theatre
18^th-23^rd: Princess of America – Mansion Theatre

August 2021
1,2, 4 & 6: Terry Bradshaw Show – Clay Cooper Theater
5^th-14^th: Cal. Ripken World Series – Ballparks of America
6^th & 7^th: Osage Ballet – Mansion Theater

2.New Attractions, Shows, & Restaurants

With every passing year comes a parade of exciting new restaurants, shows, attractions, and shopping destinations in Branson, Missouri. If you’ve ever driven down the famous W 76 Strip, chances are you may have spotted some new additions to the entertainment district, such as the upside-down WonderWorks Museum or the all-new Rogue Chef restaurant in Branson, serving the most delicious array of menu items, including Chorizo Nachos and Ribeye Dinner.

Attractions: Aquarium at the Boardwalk, WonderWorks Museum, Beyond The Lens! Branson, Bigfoot Fun Park, and Escape Code.

Restaurants/Coffee Shops: Rogue Chef, Ole Eatery, SS Dockside Bar & Grill, Mad Hatterz Eatz & Treatz, Flamin Margaritas, Heroes Tastes + Taps, El Poblanos Restaurant & Bar, Taco Habitat(Coming Soon), Revive Juice Bar, and Table Rock Coffee Roasters.

Shows: Back to the Bee Gees( Hamners’ Variety Theater), JESUS at Sight & Sound Theatres, Dean Z – The Ultimate Elvis( Clay Cooper Theatre), Dancing Queen at King’s Castle Theatre, Shanghai Circus – Amazing Acrobats of Shanghai, Funny Farm Dinner Feud( Playhouse Dinner Theatre at Shepherd of the Hills), Escape Reality Magic dinner Show(Branson Central Theatre) and Legends of Country at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater

3.Outdoors

In the Taney County region,  there are over 200 miles of public access trails. With different levels of difficulty and a change of scenery at each location, nature lovers will have plenty to choose from when it comes down to local trails, camping spots, and boat marinas.

Nature Trails/Day Hikes to enjoy: Roark Creek Waterfall Trail, White River Valley Trail System, Table Rock Lakeshore Trail, Lakeside Forest wilderness Area, Stockstill Park, Table Rock State Park, Ruth & Paul Henning Conservation Area, Dogwood Canyon Nature Park

Local Campgrounds: Branson Musicland Kampground, America’s Best Campground, Branson View Campground, Ozark Country Campground, Oak Grove RV Park, Cooper Creek Resort & Rv, Silver Dollar City Campground, Tall Pines Campground, Branson Stagecoach Campground, Branson Ridge RV Resort.

Branson Marinas: Branson Bay Marina LLC, Fall Creek Marina, State Park Marina, Scotty’s Trout Dock, Indian Point Marina, Lilleys’ Landing Resort & Marina, Indian Point Marina, The Harbor, Bent Hook Marina, and Marina Table Rock Lake.

4.Free Things

There’s no vacation like a budget-friendly vacation! All around this beautiful and entertaining region of the Ozarks is something to enjoy, and it’s absolutely FREE to do and experience! See all the ways you can enjoy your next Branson getaway for the best price, which is no price at all!

• Visit the Grand Village shopping area.
• Branson’s Historic Downtown.
• Ride Sparky, the Free Downtown Trolly.
• Walk at the Branson Landing and watch the free fountain and fire show.
• Visit Veteran Statues at College of the Ozarks, in front of the Veterans Memorial Museum, and at Branson’s Veterans Memorial Garden.
• Drive to the 165 Scenic Overlook across from Vintage Paris coffee shop.
• Picnic at any of the three Branson Lakes: Table Rock Lake, Lake Taneycomo, and Bull Shoals. While you’re in the lake area, visit the free Dewey Shore Visitor Center, which was designed and built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Interactive map of the lake, wall murals, Native American artifacts. Great learning opportunity for the whole family.
• Drive through Downtown Hollister home to local coffee shops, a public park with a train, and several Mom & Pop restaurants.
• Shop at Apple Tree Mall, which houses hundreds of booths and one of a kind collection items
• Go to Farmers Market of the Ozarks, which takes place annually April-October 3-7 PM. Local producers. Free event to browse fresh goodies.
• Visit Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery, operated by the Missouri Department of Conservation. Table rock dam 6,423 feet in length and 252 feet above the riverbed. Historical and impressive.
• Stop by the newly opened Ozark Hills Winery for a complimentary tour through Whisky Jack’s Museum.

5.SDC Summer Festivals

It makes sense that one of the most popular theme parks in the United States offers its fair share of uniquely themed festivals and events through its most busy season of the year. Please read all about what’s going down this summer at Silver Dollar City in our list below!

May 2021
14^th-31^st: Bluegrass & BBQ

June 2021
4^th: Beatle Tribute Concert
5^th: Best of ABBA Tribute
11^th: Worship with Mack Brock
11th& 12^th: Creation Experience Days
12^th: Worship/Vertical Worship
12^th-July 25^th: Star-Spangled Summer

July 2021
24^th-August 8^th: Moonlight Madness

August 2021
27^th-29^th: Southern Gospel

For more information on local Shows, Attractions, and MORE, give our friends at Branson Travel Group a call at (866) 876-4339. Ask how to secure the best tickets at the lowest prices! Find out more about affordable Branson Travel Packages on their site here.